50 Must-Know Urdu Phrases for Daily Conversations

Okay, so you’re trying to learn Urdu, and you wanna sound like you actually know what’s up when you talk. I get it—Urdu’s got this super cool, poetic vibe, but jumping into conversations can feel like diving into a pool without knowing how to swim. Don’t worry, though! This guide’s got 50 Urdu phrases for beginners that’ll help you chat like a pro (or at least fake it). It’s like I’m spilling all my secrets over a late-night snack. Let’s get started!

Imagine you’re traveling in Pakistan or chatting with Urdu-speaking friends, and you drop a “سلام” (salaam, hello) like it’s no big deal. Suddenly, everyone’s smiling, and you’re in. These common Urdu phrases are perfect for travelers, learners, or anyone who wants to connect. They’re short, useful, and make you sound natural. Plus, they’re fun to say—Urdu’s got this musical thing going on.

I remember using “شکریہ” (shukriya, thank you) at a shop in Lahore, and the shopkeeper lit up like I’d just made his day. That’s the power of a good phrase.

Here’s a mix of greetings, questions, and everyday phrases with pronunciations and translations. I’ve picked ones you’ll actually use, not some random stuff from a textbook. Try saying them out loud!

Greetings and Basics

• سلام (salaam) – Hello
• السلام علیکم (assalaam alaikum) – Peace be upon you (formal hello)
• خدا حافظ (khuda hafiz) – Goodbye
• شکریہ (shukriya) – Thank you
• براہ کرم (baraye karam) – Please
• معاف کیجیے (maaf kijiye) – Sorry
• آپ کا نام کیا ہے؟ (aap ka naam kya hai?) – What’s your name?
• میرا نام ___ ہے (mera naam ___ hai) – My name is ___.
• آپ کیسے ہیں؟ (aap kaise hain?) – How are you?
• میں ٹھیک ہوں (main theek hoon) – I’m fine.

Getting Around

• یہ کہاں ہے؟ (yeh kahan hai?) – Where is this?
• دائیں جائیں (daayein jayein) – Go right
• بائیں جائیں (baayein jayein) – Go left
• سیدھا جائیں (seedha jayein) – Go straight
• کتنے کا ہے؟ (kitne ka hai?) – How much is it?
• ٹیکسی کہاں ملے گی؟ (taxi kahan milegi?) – Where can I get a taxi?
• میں بھٹک گیا ہوں (main bhatak gaya hoon) – I’m lost.
• وقت کیا ہوا ہے؟ (waqt kya hua hai?) – What time is it?
• دکان کب کھلتی ہے؟ (dukaan kab khulti hai?) – When does the shop open?
• یہ کتنا دور ہے؟ (yeh kitna door hai?) – How far is it?

Everyday Chats

• میں بھوکا ہوں (main bhooka hoon) – I’m hungry.
• پانی چاہیے (paani chahiye) – I want water.
• یہ بہت اچھا ہے (yeh bohat acha hai) – This is very good.
• کیا آپ مدد کر سکتے ہیں؟ (kya aap madad kar sakte hain?) – Can you help?
• میں سمجھا (main samjha) – I understand.
• میں نہیں سمجھا (main nahi samjha) – I don’t understand.
• براہ کرم دوبارہ کہیں (baraye karam dobara kahein) – Please say it again.
• آہستہ بولیں (aahista bolein) – Speak slowly.
• یہ کیا ہے؟ (yeh kya hai?) – What is this?
• مجھے پسند ہے (mujhe pasand hai) – I like it.

Social Vibes

• مبارک ہو (mubarak ho) – Congratulations!
• اچھا لگ رہا ہے (acha lag raha hai) – Looks good!
• چلو مل کر کھائیں (chalo mil kar khayein) – Let’s eat together.
• تم کیا کر رہے ہو؟ (tum kya kar rahe ho?) – What are you doing?
• مل کر مزہ آیا (mil kar maza aaya) – It was fun hanging out.
• خوش رہو (khush raho) – Stay happy!
• تمہارا شہر کیسا ہے؟ (tumhara shehar kaisa hai?) – How’s your city?
• میں جلدی میں ہوں (main jaldi mein hoon) – I’m in a hurry.
• کوئی بات نہیں (koi baat nahi) – No problem.
• دیکھتے ہیں (dekhte hain) – Let’s see.

Useful Extras

• میں بیمار ہوں (main bimaar hoon) – I’m sick.
• دوائی کہاں ملے گی؟ (dawai kahan milegi?) – Where can I get medicine?
• یہ کتنا مہنگا ہے (yeh kitna mehnga hai) – This is so expensive!
• براہ کرم انتظار کریں (baraye karam intezar karein) – Please wait.
• میں واپس آؤں گا (main wapas aaunga) – I’ll be back.
• یہ بہت مزیدار ہے (yeh bohat mazedaar hai) – This is delicious!
• فون کہاں ہے؟ (phone kahan hai?) – Where’s the phone?
• انٹرنیٹ کہاں ملے گا؟ (internet kahan milega?) – Where can I get internet?
• یہ محفوظ ہے؟ (yeh mehfooz hai?) – Is it safe?
• چلو بات کرتے ہیں (chalo baat karte hain) – Let’s talk.

• Say them out loud: Use an Urdu dictionary online like Rekhta for pronunciation. Try “ش” (sheen) in “شکریہ” (shukriya).
• Write them down: Jot phrases in a notebook or app like Quizlet. I stuck “سلام” on my fridge once—worked like a charm.
• Use them daily: Say “کیا حال ہے؟” (kya haal hai?) to a friend instead of “What’s up?”
• Watch Urdu media: Dramas or YouTube vlogs are gold for hearing these phrases in action.

So, I tried saying “مبارک ہو” (mubarak ho) at a friend’s party, but I messed up the pronunciation and said something like “moo-barak.” Everyone cracked up, and I was so embarrassed. But I practiced with a YouTube video later, and now I nail it. Moral? Messing up’s part of the fun—just keep going.

Tool	Why It’s Awesome	Where to Get It
Urdupro.info	Free, great for pronunciation	urdupro.info
Rekhta Dictionary	Free, great for pronunciation	rekhta.org
Urdupoint	Simple, modern phrases	urdupoint.com
YouTube	Urdu vlogs and shows	youtube.com
Quizlet	Flashcards for phrases	App or web